Opinion

Mind the Client Communication Gap

Thomas Sedoric is managing director of investments for the Sedoric Group of Wells Fargo Advisors, based in Portsmouth, N.H.

Today, everyone has their own unique style of communication, and these various modes can be both a blessing and a curse for the engaged advisor-client relationship. But it’s a real dilemma when a client chooses to sporadically siphon information using various media and neglects to openly and consistently communicate with those they’ve installed as partners in their financial security.

Ongoing monitoring and engagement result in better client outcomes, and at our firm we make it a practice to communicate frequently because plans do change – in part because “life happens." Divorces happen. Job changes and family situations happen. Illnesses and high medical bills can, and do, happen. Clients should engage their advisors to help them navigate these challenging life passages. Even when a strategic plan is formulated, launched, and monitored, it is only as good as the client’s actions and the communication that keeps it on track.

It can be especially challenging when a client chooses to change their spending or saving habits without informing their advisor.

Some clients also make changes to their plans themselves, without fully understanding the ripple effect it may have on their plan, investment strategy and risk exposure. Proactive behaviors beat out reactive or “fire drill” responses every time. The purchase and sale of property, the acquisition of a second home or vintage automobile, career transitions, and changes in annual savings goals are all components of financial success that impact planning and require honest, frequent and linear communication.

When a prospect or client fails to openly or consistently communicate, a red flag might arise. Sometimes, we have an even larger issue to coordinate when we become aware that a client has strayed from their own goals and they prefer not to talk. When they say, contrary to previous communication patterns, that they only want to “talk” via email or text, we also become concerned about potential scams or attempts to defraud those we serve. Advisors who serve as fiduciaries have a responsibility to their clients to act on their plans and protect their long-term interests.

Though it happens very rarely, we are sometimes forced to disengage with clients who are unwilling to constructively communicate on a consistent basis. Simply put, if they no longer wish to communicate directly, or abandon the steps required to achieve the goals they set, then we are simply unable to help them.

Of course, it’s also important to acknowledge that miscommunications will happen. When they do, and whatever the occasion, at our firm we take it upon ourselves to reach out to find out what’s going on with the client. This is not meant to shame or provide a "tough love” talk. The conversation might be necessary to reset their baseline goals or to reflect upon and remind clients of the goals they had originally set.

We recognize that sometimes the hardest part of executing a plan is the honest self-assessment required – it is difficult at times to balance immediate desires with long-term needs and aspirations. This discomfort is evident even among successful clients, and the stress can lead to, or be the result of, bad financial decision making.

A 2015 Merrill Edge Report on mass affluent Americans found that even 40% of secure retirees felt “somewhat stressed” and uncertain about their finances. The percentage of anxious mass affluents jumps to 66% for younger non-retirees, predominantly in the Gen-X and Millennial generations. Candid conversations can help mitigate client stress.

Obviously, there are many routes to establishing financial security. Though different than they were two decades ago, and with lower than average returns likely, the need for proactive client communication has never been more critical. As fiduciaries, it is our duty to understand the many aspects of client goals, aspirations and appropriate levels of risk tolerance. Open communication is a necessary and crucial element in this process.

This opinion was coauthored by Casey Snyder, a financial consultant with Wells Fargo’s Sedoric Group.